Improved access to a unit at Scunthorpe General Hospital

Patients are to benefit from improved access to an outpatient service at Scunthorpe General Hospital.The lower gastrointestinal (GI) physiology unit provides outpatient clinics, investigations and treatment for patients suffering from problems such as incontinence, constipation, prolapse and irritable bowel syndrome.The service is moving to the Lancaster Suite, which is close to the Church Lane main entrance of the hospital.The unit is being opened by trust chief executive Karen Jackson on Wednesday, February 6, at noon.Colorectal surgeon Miss Geeta Kaur said: "The anorectal physiology unit is moving from ward 9 to the Lancaster Suite, providing patients with easier access and a light, comfortable and airy environment, which has been specifically adapted for our patients."People are often too embarrassed to seek help if their problem is associated with bottoms or bowels. "Men and women of any age can be affected, with the quality of life for some people being very poor. "Depending on the problem, it can impact on personal relationships, their work, home life and it can leave people feeling very isolated and low."Having a broken leg is easy for people to talk about to others. However, if you are too afraid to leave the house because you might be caught short and have to dash to the loo, this is something different all together."Problems can be triggered by a variety of things including surgery and childbirth.Miss Kaur added: "Our aim is to provide a high quality service with patients receiving a diagnosis, counselling and treatment."